Goa, the multifaceted jewel of India’s western coast, is easily one of the best holiday destinations that a person can visit. While it might be the tiniest state that one can easily drive through in a couple of hours, it has so much to offer. From stunning beaches, scenic green pastures, and ancient architecture, Goa is a place where people come to find themselves and live in serenity.
While Goa is rapidly developing into an urban city, parts of this state still paint a picture of a bygone era. Fontainhas, a stunning heritage locality just outside the capital city Panjim, is the perfect visual reminder of what Goa once was. With tiny winding roads and pastel-painted houses, Fontainhas is a must-visit when in Goa.
Tucked away in one of the picturesque colourful lanes of Fontainhas, is a quaint courtyard cafe called Teal. The cafe’s ethos revolves around providing the best organic food that caters to each and everybody’s dietary needs. Abeer, the owner of Teal, aims to offer one and all an interesting variety of organic, gluten-free and vegan options at her cafe.
The cafe’s location was often frequented by coffee lovers who were in search of the perfect brew, as the space was once home to Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters and fashion boutique O.M.O. When Abeer met the owner of O.M.O. and saw the beautiful courtyard space, she instantly knew that this was where she wanted to open her cafe. Being huge coffee lovers themselves, Abeer and her partner Ryan tied up with Blue Tokai and now continue selling the beloved coffee at their cafe.
Teal’s extensive drinks menu offers guests a chance to treat their taste buds to fascinating combinations such as their White Chocolate Mocha, which is an espresso with steamed milk and white chocolate, and their Golden Latte, which is a mix of spiced organic turmeric syrup with hot milk and extra steamed milk foam topped with nuts. Their Senior Barista and Manager, Harsh Raikar, is the brilliant mind behind most of these drinks. One of his most genius concoctions at Teal is their Tender Coconut Cold Brew. A refreshing cold brew that is served over tender coconut water and ice, this is a must-try while visiting Teal.
Guests have always loved coming over to sip on a cup of steaming hot freshly brewed coffee. They perch themselves under the shade of the Champa and Kari Patta trees for some much-need peace and quiet. And now, Teal is here to offer them the perfect healthy and hearty snacks and meals to accompany their brew.
“People assume that just because it is Vegan it’s not going to be good. But when they try it, they love it,” says Abeer. After all, they spent several months curating their menu to ensure that their customers only receive the best.
Now don’t walk into the cafe expecting the traditional crepes and waffles, Teal’s menu mostly features experimental and interesting dishes. Take for example their Egg Dosa, a delicious classic that is served with a tangy twist, their signature desi guac and cherry tomato tempering. Another mouth-watering fusion breakfast would be their Madras Eggs Benedict, a toasted buttermilk English muffin with your choice of pork or chicken ham and a poached egg drizzled with a rich Madras curry hollandaise. So you see, be it their creamy Cashew Clam Fettuccine, Leek & Bleu Cheese Tartine or their rich Barley risotto; their food options are simply like no other!
George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no sincere love than the love of food,” and anyone who visits Teal can see just how much heart and soul Abeer Abdulla puts into the food that she and her amazing team of chefs prepare at Teal. If you’re in Goa, take some time out of your schedule and opt for a day away from the beach so that you can explore the nooks and crannies of Fontainhas. And don’t forget to drop by Teal after your walk-through the old Latin Quarter!
Written By Jessica Albuquerque,
Week 44, November 2021
